I used to think that raising toddlers was a nightmare, until my own woke up one day and turned 15. Don’t get me wrong, toddlers are EXTREMELY challenging, but I would take that challenge any day over the teen syndrome.

Once in a while I see a glimpse of that sweet, good-natured boy that I raised – but most of the time what I experience is the whole 15 thing. The problem is that when they turn this age, they are experts at it. They know exactly how to drive parents insane and are relentless at doing it. There is no rhyme or reason for many things they do are say – it just is. I have devised a 5 rules that help me to remain sane:

1. Let go of the small stuff.
It is REALLY important to choose your battles. Sometimes at the height of frustration it is really hard to walk away, but it is imperative for your own sanity.

2. Don’t engage in insane debates – you will never winThis is by far the most annoying thing about my 15 year old, he is capable of making a case for whatever it is he wants to do in what sounds like a very convincing way. Once you ‘peel back the layers’ you realize that what is being suggested is insane. Don’t fall for it – disengage and walk away.

3. Find unique ways to connect with them and to remain present in their lifeI connect with my son through his music, he introduces me to new stuff all the time and I love it – we listen together all the time. I also support his passion for skateboarding – though it makes me nervous — even providing transportation for him (and his friends) to and from skating locations. Some other things – I text message him, leave notes in his backpack and in his room, and we have a sit down family dinner at least 2x per week…

4. Don’t forget that you are in chargeSometimes I just want to wave the white flag, surrender, and let him rule. I have done this once or twice and it never pays off – so don’t do this. Put your foot down with no further discussion as to why. They may hate you now but appreciate it later.

5. Keep a mental picture of them as your beautiful babyRemind yourself of how special they are – and that this is just a phase both of you will joke about later on in life.

2 thoughts on “Parents guide for surviving the teen years: 5 rules I live by”

Hello, Susan! I’ve heard of you over the years from my brother Jim, clicked on your link from Mike’s blog and just had to respond to your “Parents’ Guide.” Particularly after an insomnia night punctuated by extra readings of “Get Out Of My Life, But First Can You Drive Me and Marsha To The Mall”, my current resource.

Remy’s 12 going on 18 and I don’t know if I (or she) will live to see the day she’s actually there. Last night I was actually amused to hear her scream “You just don’t care at all! None of you care at all!” She’s a little earlly to be right on schedule, but …. a teen nonetheless. We had no idea when we adopted what we were in for! I’m with you — gimme the toddler days, any old time.

Anyway, just wanted to make contact and let you know you have a LOT of company. And good rules, by the way.

Love your pix — does anyone ever turn the camera around to take a photo of you??

Thank you so much for stopping by! I have heard of you often as well. Isn’t the Internet great? We can connect with folks in ways never before possible. I had no idea that you were in Atlanta. I would love to chat with you offline sometime about your adventures – and it’s always good to connect with family (especially since I am the last of mine on the east coast).